Most Emailed Articles

Definition:
The distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic is a distinction between the types of
characteristics an object might have. Intrinsic characteristics are those which an
object has by its very nature, regardless of its situation or circumstances. Extrinsic
characteristics are those which an object has solely in relationship to other objects
and/or its environment.

For example, a person may be intrinsically male, but extrinsically an engineer.

It is also possible to speak of value as being either intrinsic or extrinsic. For
example, a micrometer only has extrinsic value because it is useless to people who do
not use such a tool. The question of whether or not some things, like love, have
intrinsic value is a matter of debate.

There is also the possibility of a paradox in the relationship between extrinsic and
intrinsic values. For example, exercise might be seen as having extrinsic value
because it leads to good health. Normally, that is only true if good health itself has
intrinsic value. If it does not, then it only has value in relationship to something
else - threatening to create an infinite regress.

Also Known As: none

Alternate Spellings: none

Common Misspellings: none

Related Resources:

What is Epistemology?
Epistemology is the investigation into the grounds and nature of knowledge itself.
Epistemological studies are usually focused upon our means for acquiring knowledge,
and as a consequence, modern epistemology generally involves a debate between
rationalism and empiricism, or the question of whether knowledge can be acquired a
priori or a posteriori.

What is Philosophy?
What is philosophy? Is there any point in studying philosophy, or is it a useless
subject? What are the different branches of philosophy - what's the difference
between aestheitcs and ethics? What's the difference between metaphysics and
epistemology?